Contrary to popular belief, individual kinky hair strands are very fine, yet dense. The impressive volume of afro hair is often due to a hair density that can be up to 10 times higher than other hair types. So, what makes kinky hair unique? Why does afro hair seem to struggle with length retention? How can you properly nourish brittle kinky hair? And what are the best hairstyles to protect your strands? Follow our guide!
What are the specific characteristics of kinky hair?
Genetically, afro-type curly or kinky hair has tiny, very numerous undulations on a single strand. At its base, the cuticle is extremely bent. And it is precisely at this point that the hair is most fragile and therefore most prone to breakage.
Furthermore, the implantation of kinky hair in the epidermis is shallow. Thus, there is more hair loss, which gives the impression of greater fragility for this type of hair. Also, the scalp, producing a very small amount of sebum, tends to be drier.
Thus, between the various treatments kinky hair undergoes, such as aggressive relaxers, straightening products, or very tight braids, the hair, already very fragile by nature, becomes even more vulnerable. This is why it is important to provide them with a very rich moisturizing treatment to give them back all their natural shine and suppleness.
Why doesn't kinky hair grow?
Do you have the impression that your curly or kinky hair doesn't grow at all? Rest assured, like other hair types, yours grows constantly, but at a slower rate, about 0.8 cm per month.
This impression also comes from the spiral shape of your hair, which retracts as soon as the ambient air is humid or when you step out of the shower. This results in a loss of about 70% of its actual length. The ends of kinky hair tend to break faster because the small amount of sebum secreted by the scalp cannot hydrate it all the way to the tips. All these combined factors indeed give you the impression that your hair never grows.
To remedy this, a very strict hair care routine (especially at the beginning) is essential. Of course, you must nourish your hair by providing all the nutrients necessary to maintain good health. You should avoid using appliances such as hair dryers or straighteners as much as possible; if it's too difficult for you, remember to apply a heat-protectant treatment to preserve the thin layer of keratin that surrounds each hair fiber.
How to properly hydrate and nourish brittle hair?
Your weekly routine is paramount; the actions you adopt and the products you choose are all part of it. You need to develop good habits and learn to understand your hair to provide it with the best care over time. Shampoo, conditioner or mask, leave-in treatment, and an oil – this is the basis of your routine; choose them as natural as possible.
For example, you can use shea oil or butter or castor oil, which is very rich in omega-6. This type of care promotes hair growth by acting deep inside the hair follicle. The same applies to the choice of shampoo and conditioner.
To complete your hair beauty routine, apply a protective serum to your scalp. By gently massaging the product, you activate micro-circulation, which allows all the nourishing elements to reach the core of each hair bulb.
Once a week, you can also apply a moisturizing mask based on olive or avocado oil and leave the product on overnight. Detangling and styling your hair will be much gentler the next morning!
Learn more about setting up your hair care routine for kinky hair here.
What hairstyles should you adopt with brittle and kinky hair?
To avoid accentuating breakage in your afro hair, in addition to proper hydration, it's also important to consider the hairstyle you adopt.
Indeed, extremely tight braids promote hair breakage. Also, stretched flat buns are very poorly tolerated by the scalp, which feels attacked.
In any case, to free your natural hair, the ideal is to adopt the freest hairstyle possible. Embrace your afro without complexes! If you prefer to keep them wavy, then a cut adapted to your personal tastes and face shape will be preferable to a cut that restricts them.
However, if you prefer to straighten them, the gentlest method is to use a steam straightener. The advantage of this type of appliance is that its use requires no chemicals. Straightening is done solely thanks to the steam it emits. However, as with any heat-emitting appliance, remember to apply a straightening serum or protective cream beforehand.
Some examples of protective hairstyles for kinky hair!
There are very simple solutions to provide them with good hydration and keep hair healthy.
